The Golden State Warriors welcomed back their superstar, but the Minnesota Timberwolves left with the win. In a Friday night clash at Chase Center, the Warriors, despite a spectacular return from Stephen Curry, fell 127-120 to the Timberwolves, a result shaped by significant absences on both sides. The game marked the first meeting between the teams since Minnesota eliminated Golden State in last season’s Western Conference semifinals, adding a layer of playoff revenge to the regular-season contest.
The storyline entering the game was dominated by the injury report. For the Warriors, Steph Curry was medically cleared and started without restriction after missing five games with a left quad contusion. His return was a major boost, but the Warriors were without defensive anchor Draymond Green, who was away from the team for personal reasons. Coach Steve Kerr noted Green’s foot injury had healed, but his absence was excused. Veteran center Al Horford also remained out with a sciatic nerve issue. The Timberwolves were similarly shorthanded, missing their own superstar, Anthony Edwards, due to right foot soreness, as well as veteran guard Mike Conley.
Curry wasted no time reminding the league of his brilliance, erupting for a game-high 39 points in a scorching performance. However, his heroic effort was ultimately wasted. The Warriors, playing without Green’s defensive organization and playmaking, struggled to contain a balanced Minnesota attack. The Timberwolves capitalized on their size advantage inside, a key factor in their playoff victory last spring, and weathered Curry’s offensive storm. The loss dropped Golden State to 13-13, highlighting their ongoing battle for consistency in a crowded Western Conference where they currently sit in the 8th seed.
The irony of the situation was palpable. Last postseason, Curry’s hamstring injury in Game 1 against the Timberwolves altered the series’ trajectory, leading to a Warriors exit. This time, a schedule quirk—a four-day break for Golden State—allowed Curry to return healthy against the same opponent, but the result was another frustrating loss. The Warriors’ timeline for reintegrating Green is now a focal point; Kerr indicated the forward could meet the team and potentially play in their next game in Portland, which would be a significant step toward fielding a full roster.
For the Timberwolves, the victory was a necessary response after a disappointing loss to a shorthanded Phoenix Suns team earlier in the week. Improving to 16-9, they solidified their position as the 6th seed and demonstrated an ability to win on the road without their best player in Edwards. The win serves as a confidence booster as they navigate a competitive West, where every game matters in the race to avoid the play-in tournament. For the Warriors, the search for an identity continues. Curry’s brilliance remains, but as Friday night showed, even a 39-point outburst from the two-time MVP isn’t always enough to cover for the absence of other key pieces like Draymond Green.